Officials from the Obama administration say that the Justice Department will formally express support for same-sex marriage—and urge the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8, thereby allowing same-sex marriage to continue in California. The amicus brief will reportedly argue that Proposition 8 violates the 14th Amendment.

Though the Obama administration initially suggested it would not engage with this case, they will issue an amicus brief later today, supporting the two gay couples who engaged in this fight four years ago. Last year, when Obama stated that gay couples should be allowed to get married, he also said it was not a matter for the federal government to decide. However in his inaugural address, he noted:

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well."

Today is the last day that briefs will be allowed. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in late March to decide the fate of the Proposition 8 case. Proposition 8, an amendment to that state constitution, was approved by 52% of California voters in 2008.

The Supreme Court is also currently considering a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act—an act which banned same-sex marriages for the purpose of receiving federal benefits.